THE IMPORTANCE OF ADAPTING AGE-APPROPRIATE MATERIALS IN LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

This article analyzes the influence of the age factor on the process of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) as well as the main cognitive, affective, and social factors that affect language learning. The study examines the role of motivation, aptitude, learning strategies, emotional state, and language environment in language acquisition. In addition, existing scientific views on the “Critical Period Hypothesis” and age-related biological factors are discussed. The results indicate that learning a language at an early age may provide advantages, particularly in acquiring pronunciation and phonetic skills; however, age is not the only decisive factor. The success of language learning largely depends on motivation, regular practice, language exposure, and the learner’s emotional state. The findings highlight the importance of selecting effective teaching methods that take learners’ age characteristics into account in language education